ES2821748T3 - Dispenser for interfolded napkins - Google Patents

Abstract

Dispenser for interfolded napkins, the dispenser (1) comprising a container (2) having a bottom wall (5) extending in a horizontal plane and side walls (6) extending from the bottom wall (5) in a vertical direction perpendicular thereto and defining a dispensing opening (7) opposite the bottom wall (5), the side walls surrounding a rectangular support surface (8) formed by said bottom wall (5), to support a stack (3) of interfolded napkins (11), the dispenser (1) further comprising a weight (4) arranged between said side walls (6) to form a lid of the dispenser supported by the stack, defining the weight (4 ) a dispensing mouth (9) and movable between an upper position adjacent to the dispensing opening (7) of the container (2), and a lower position adjacent to the support surface (8) of the container (2), the dispenser (1) comprising control means (15) or weight that interconnect the weight (4) and the container (2), and which extend into the container (2) between a container connection (17) and a weight connection (19), restricting said means (15 weight control) the movement of the weight (4) in a vertical direction along said side walls (6) to determine the location of said upper position of said weight (4), and in which the container (2) defines a bottom part comprising said bottom wall (5), and a wall part comprising at least a part of the side walls (6), said bottom part being attached in such a way that it can be removed and reattached to the wall part for filling with napkins from the bottom of the dispenser (1).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Dispenser for interfolded napkins

Technical field

The present invention relates to a dispenser for interfolded napkins, the dispenser comprising a container having a bottom wall extending in a horizontal plane, and side walls extending from the bottom wall in a vertical direction perpendicular thereto. and defining a dispensing opening opposite the bottom wall, the side walls surrounding a rectangular support surface to support a stack of interfolded napkins, the dispenser further comprising a weight disposed between the side walls to form a lid of the dispenser supported by the stack, the weight defining a dispensing mouth and being movable between an upper position adjacent to the dispensing opening of the container, and a lower position adjacent to the support surface of the container.

Background

Napkins in the form of sheets of material intended for cleaning and for hygienic purposes are common household items that can be provided in the form of piles of napkins from which individual napkins can be easily removed when needed. The napkin dispenser should be relatively inexpensive, easy to handle, should protect the napkins before use, and should be easy to move to a location where the napkins are needed, such as to a table, counter, etc.

A common type of dispenser for this type of napkin is an open cardboard box in which the napkins are arranged in a stack located on one edge of the napkins, a portion of the napkins protruding through the opening in the box to provide a grip part. This is a simple and inexpensive way to dispense napkins. However, the protruding parts of the napkins tend to fold over the edge of the box and become wrinkled and deformed. Also, once some napkins have been removed from the box, the remaining stack does not fill the width of the container with the result that the stack may sag inside the box contributing to warping of the napkins not yet dispensed, and causing the grip the napkins more difficult.

An additional commonly used option is to arrange the napkins in an interfolded stack that is placed on a bottom surface within a container having a dispensing opening at the top of the container. The napkins are then successively withdrawn from the top of the stack through the dispensing opening.

Interfolded napkins are sheets of materials arranged in a stack of overlapping sheets that are each folded at least once. The sheets are interconnected such that the separate folded sheets of material form a chain of sheets where each sheet has a front panel and a rear panel, the rear panel being at least partially overlapped with the front panel of the rear sheet in the stack. . In this way, the individual sheets are held together loosely by means of frictional forces arising between the overlapping parts. With the exception of the first and last napkin in the stack, each back panel of each napkin is interfolded to the front panel of the next napkin in the stack. Sheets can be dispensed from a dispenser by pulling the front panel of the first sheet in the stack. In this manner, the first sheet of material is withdrawn at the same time as a predetermined portion of the front panel of a subsequent sheet of material is fed to a dispensing position in the dispenser.

The dispenser typically has a lid or cover with a dispensing opening that restricts the width of the dispensed napkin in order to prevent the front panel of the next napkin to be dispensed from moving back into the dispenser.

Document JP2008162660 describes a tissue paper support comprising a container for containing a stack of napkins, the container defining an upwardly directed dispensing opening, in which a movable lid is placed, the lid forming a weight that is supported by the battery. The cap defines a dispensing mouth.

WO2010 / 132005 describes a dispenser arrangement for interfolding napkins, wherein the dispenser comprises a container for holding a stack of napkins, the container defining a dispensing opening. At least one weight having a protruding surface on the bottom wall that is less than or equal to one third of the supporting surface of the stack, is placed in the container, and is intended to be supported by the stack.

Document US2011 / 0297694 A1 describes a dispenser with weight control means and comprising a filling housing.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved or alternative dispenser for dispensing interfolded napkins.

Summary

The above-mentioned object is achieved by a dispenser according to claim 1.

The term "dispensing opening" means a part of a container that is open to the environment and that is used to provide access to the interior space of the container.

The term "dispensing mouth" means an opening through which articles are dispensed.

As used herein, the term "in contact with" means that two surfaces are located at the smallest possible distance from each other and at the same time sufficient to allow movement of the surfaces along each other. .

By the term "adjacent to" it is meant articles that are closer in space or position, immediately contiguous with no intermediate space, touching; and also items that are near or close but not necessarily touching.

By the term "magnetic lock" is meant a device for holding pieces of material together by means of magnetism.

The term "magnet" in the context of the present application means a permanent magnet. The term "corresponding magnetic material" in the context of the present application means a material that is attracted to a particular magnet. This material can be another permanent magnet, or it can be a material attracted to the particular magnet such as a soft or hard ferromagnetic material.

According to the invention, there is provided a dispenser for interfolded napkins. The dispenser comprises a container having a bottom wall that extends in a horizontal plane and is arranged at the bottom of the dispenser. The container further comprises side walls extending from the bottom wall in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the bottom wall and defining a dispensing opening opposite the bottom wall. The side walls surround a rectangular support surface to support a stack of interfolded napkins.

The dispenser further comprises a weight disposed between the side walls to form a stack supported dispenser lid. The weight defines a dispensing mouth through which the napkins are drawn. The weight can be moved between an upper position adjacent to the dispensing opening of the container, and a lower position adjacent to the support surface of the container. The dispenser further comprises weight control means interconnecting the weight and the container and extending into the container between a container connection and a weight connection. The weight control means restricts the movement of the weight in a vertical direction along the side walls to determine the location of the top position of the weight.

Preferably, apart from the restriction provided by said weight control means, the weight is free to move vertically within the container.

Thus, in use, the weight resting on the stack of napkins will follow the stack down, as the stack shrinks, and can then be moved upward to refill the dispenser.

Accordingly, the use of a weight is effective in preventing the stack from wrinkling within the dispenser.

The weight control means will hold the weight to the dispenser. This reduces the risk that the weight will shift during handling of the dispenser, or that it will be lost or even stolen.

The weight control means determines the location of the upper position of the weight. Accordingly, the available space within the dispenser to contain the stack is determined, which helps to reduce the risk of overfilling the dispenser with too many napkins. If a dispenser is overfilled with napkins, there is a risk of excessively high frictional force between subsequent napkins.

Advantageously, the weight control means provides said restriction of movement in a vertical direction to determine the upper position of the weight by itself, that is to say without any additional movement restriction means. Accordingly, the (one or more) weight control means that interconnect the container and the weight are the only means that determine the location of the top position of the weight.

Preferably, the weight control means extends freely between said container connection and said weight connection.

Advantageously, the outer contour of the weight conforms to the inner contour of the side walls of the container, so that an edge of the weight at least partially follows the inner contour formed by the side walls. Consequently, the side walls will guide the weight during its movement between its upper and lower position.

The bottom wall of the container can have any suitable circumferential shape such as circular, rectangular with right angles or rounded, square, triangular, rhombic or irregular corners, as long as the bottom wall provides a sufficiently large supporting surface for a stack of napkins. interfolded. Preferably, the bottom wall of the container has a generally rectangular shape, corresponding to the shape of the supporting surface. The support surface should have a generally rectangular shape, corresponding to the shape of the stack of napkins to be inserted into the container. The term "rectangular" includes all four-sided plane figures with four substantially right angles.

The bottom wall of the container may form the outermost bottom surface of the container. This provides a simple and space saving solution.

However, the dispenser may be provided with an additional outer bottom surface, arranged at a distance from the bottom wall of the container in the vertical direction, if so desired for example for design reasons or to fix the dispenser to a surface. underlying.

The side walls of the container will extend perpendicular to the plane of the bottom wall of the container, and perpendicular to the supporting surface.

The side walls delimit the container space and the size of the dispensing opening and are arranged to contain and support the stack of interfolded napkins without deforming the napkins. Thus, the side walls will also provide lateral support for the stack of napkins, and weight, when the container is in use.

The support surface must be rectangular, which means that the support surface must allow the support of a rectangular stack of napkins. For this purpose, it is desired to have a generally rectangular shape, although slight deviations from the general shape such as rounded corners etc. are conceivable. It is preferred that the supporting surface forms a generally complete surface, ie a wall. However, it is also conceivable to form the support surface using for example ribs or ridges to support the stack of napkins.

For the stack to be supported in horizontal directions, the side walls must extend vertically to surround and support the stack around the rectangular periphery of the stack. For this purpose, it is necessary that the side walls have a certain extension along the periphery of the rectangular support surface. However, it will be understood that the side walls need not form a closed wall surface, but could be provided with openings or slots, if desired. Alternatively, the side walls could be formed by several ribs arranged vertically and at a distance from each other. In a preferred alternative, the side walls form closed side walls that extend along at least 50% of the rectangular circumference of the support surface.

Preferably, the side walls can form the outermost wall structure of the dispenser. This provides a simple and space saving solution. However, the dispenser could be provided with additional outer walls surrounding the side walls of the container. This might be desired if for example a dispenser having a rounded exterior design is desired.

As mentioned above, the side walls define the dispensing opening arranged at the top of the dispenser. The dispensing opening in the context of the present invention is a part of the container that is open to the environment and that provides access to the interior space of the container. The contour of the dispensing opening will generally correspond to the shape of the support surface. Preferably, the contour of the dispensing opening corresponds essentially to the contour of the support surface, as regards the outer dimensions of the dispensing opening and the support surface. Thus, if the weight is removed from the dispenser, the entire upper surface of a stack of napkins resting on the support surface in the container will be easily accessible through the dispensing opening.

The side walls form top edges on a top of the dispenser towards the opening of dispensing. The shape of the top edges of the container can vary, for example the top edges can be straight or irregular in shape, such as wavy, serrated, semi-circular, or the like.

Preferably, the upper edges form a plurality of uppermost edge portions, which may be confined in a horizontal plane that is parallel to the plane of the bottom wall. As such, if the dispenser is turned upside down, it can rest in a stable position on the plurality of uppermost edge portions confined in said horizontal plane. Advantageously, to provide a stable position, the uppermost edge portions on at least two opposite side walls of the container must be confined in a horizontal plane.

Preferably, the uppermost edge portions may form continuous upper edges that extend along at least two opposite side walls of the container, and that are confined in one plane, (all the uppermost edges will then form said uppermost edge portions ), preferably a generally horizontal plane, by which a particularly stable upside-down position of the dispenser is made possible.

In accordance with the present invention, the weight will form a stack-supported dispenser lid, which means that when a stack of napkins is inserted into the dispenser, the weight will rest on the stack. Consequently, when the dispenser is completely filled with napkins, the weight will be located in its upper position adjacent to the dispensing opening of the container, whereas when the dispenser is almost empty or empty, the weight will be located adjacent to the supporting surface. of the container. The weight can move vertically within the container between the upper position adjacent to the dispensing opening of the container, and the lower position adjacent to the container support surface, in both the upward and downward directions.

The actual mass of the weight must be sufficient to resist the pulling force of the user removing a napkin from a dispenser, and can be selected to be suitable for a particular dispenser and / or stack of napkins.

The mass of the weight can therefore be between 50 and 1000 g, preferably between 50 and 500 g, most preferably between 100 and 200 g.

To provide a weight having a suitable mass, the weight may comprise a first and a second material, in which the second material has a higher density than the first material, to provide additional mass to the weight. For example, a first material that forms the majority of the weight could be a plastic material, which has the advantages of being easy to shape into desired shapes, but is not particularly heavy. To increase the mass of the weight, a second material in the form of a metal, such as lead, iron, copper, or nickel, or an alloy, such as stainless steel, cast iron, or any other alloy with high density can be added to the first material. .

For example, the weight can be made up of two halves of a first material, which are joined together to form the complete weight. Fragments of a second heavier material can be added between the two halves, before joining them together to give a complete weight.

Another option is to build the weight by melting the first material in a mold containing fragments of the second material arranged within the mold so that the second material is embedded in the first material. As proposed herein, the weight defines an outer rim comprising at least two opposing rim portions. Furthermore, the weight extends over the entire dispensing opening in at least a horizontal direction between at least two opposite side walls of the container, so that the two opposite rim portions are in contact with the two opposite side walls of the container.

To ensure that the weight remains in a desired position within the container, i.e. so that the dispensing mouth is appropriately located therein, it is advantageous if the outer rim comprises two opposing rim portions, which are in contact with corresponding parts of two opposite walls of the side walls of the container. Consequently, certain control of the location and movement of the weight in the container is ensured.

Advantageously, the weight can extend along the entire dispensing opening, so that the entire inner perimeter of the side walls is in contact with the weight.

It is possible that the weight includes some protruding parts that will extend beyond the inner perimeter of the side walls, for example through a vertical slot provided in the side wall. However, it is preferred that the weight is confined between the side walls, so that no moving part of the weight extends outward from the side walls, thus eliminating the risk of objects located adjacent to the dispenser being accidentally trapped by the weight. when the dispenser is in use.

Also, the external appearance of the dispenser may be more aesthetically pleasing if no protruding parts are present.

The total horizontal area of the weight including the dispensing mouth may be at least 60% and preferably at least 80% of the area of the supporting surface. Advantageously, the total horizontal area of the weight corresponds essentially to the area of the supporting surface.

The weight will naturally have a vertical extent or vertical height. The vertical height discussed herein is the maximum vertical height of the weight as observed along the entire horizontal surface of the weight. Advantageously, the vertical height of the weight can be adapted to aid in proper dispensing and presentation of a leading end of the uppermost napkin in a stack arranged in the dispenser. For example, it will be appreciated that a leading end of a certain vertical extent may assume a vertical position when extending from the dispensing port of the dispenser, whereas if a longer leading end of the napkin extends from the dispensing port, the The front end could take an unwanted drop position.

The vertical height of the weight will determine the length of the portion of a napkin that extends from the highest surface of the stack to the dispensing port, and therefore will influence the length of the leading end that protrudes from the dispensing port that is will present a user.

For some useful applications, the vertical height of the weight may be 1-10 cm, preferably 1-5 cm, most preferably 2-5 cm.

The weight can be formed with a uniform vertical height over its entire horizontal surface. However, it can also be formed with a generally flat bottom surface, ie the surface facing inward of the container when the weight is disposed between the side walls of the container, wherein the bottom surface of the weight also comprises projections. The projections can be continuous, that is to say running along the entire bottom surface of the weight, or intermittent, disposed at separate positions across the bottom surface of the weight. The intermittent projections may be in the form of cylinders, cones, cubes, pyramids, or the like. Preferably, the protrusions are continuous protrusions in the form of longitudinally extending ribs. The vertical extent of the projections will therefore determine the vertical height of the weight.

The projections can be arranged at a distance from the dispensing mouth. Consequently, the projections will ensure that there will be a gap between the bottom surface of the weight immediately surrounding the dispensing mouth, and the top of the stack of napkins inserted into the dispenser. Such a gap will ensure that the stack is not clamped against the dispensing mouth, which would complicate the removal of napkins from the stack. According to the present invention, the weight comprises a dispensing mouth, ie an opening through which articles are dispensed. The dispensing mouth will be positioned over the items within the container, to align with a leading end of the stack of napkins, when the weight is positioned over the dispensing opening of the container.

The weight comprising the dispensing port will simultaneously present a leading end of the uppermost napkin in the stack through the dispensing port, and will retain the remaining portion of the stack so that unwanted additional napkins are not removed from the stack. stack along with the topmost napkin. Instead, due to the interfolding of the napkins, the removal of the uppermost napkin will result in the leading end of the next napkin being presented at the dispensing port.

By means of the weight formed by a dispensing spout, the uppermost napkin grip portion is prevented from kicking back into a stack of interfolded napkins without the risk of tearing or wrinkling the removed napkin or the back napkin. The arrangement of the dispenser according to the invention will also determine that only one napkin is dispensed at a time. The dispenser can be easily operated with one hand and is simple and reliable in construction.

If the weight extends over the dispensing opening substantially the entire distance between at least two opposite side walls of the container, the dispensing mouth can then be arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction of the dispenser between the opposite rim portions.

The dispensing mouth is preferably elongated and has a maximum length dimension that extends in parallel with two opposite side walls.

In use, the leading end of the uppermost napkin in the stack located in the dispenser extends between two opposite side walls. Accordingly, the dispensing port will extend longitudinally along the width of the leading end, so that the napkins can be drawn through the dispensing port with little or no wrinkles. Preferably, the extension of the dispensing mouth is at least equal to the width of the stack of napkins inserted into the dispenser.

Thus, the full width of a leading end of the uppermost napkin can be presented to a user in a smooth, wrinkle-free state. Also, the entire napkin, when dispensed, will have a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition, the risk of napkins breaking or otherwise being damaged when dispensing is greatly reduced.

Expressed in relation to the longitudinal extension of the container support surface, the dispensing mouth may have a longitudinal extension of at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, most preferably at least 90% of the longitudinal extension. of the support surface that extends between the side walls. Furthermore, the longitudinal extension of the dispensing mouth can be 100% of the longitudinal extension of the support surface, that is, the longitudinal extension of the dispensing mouth is equal to the longitudinal extension of the supporting surface.

The dispensing mouth will also have a transverse extension, or width, in a transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of the maximum length extension of the mouth. The width of the dispensing mouth should be sufficient for a napkin to easily pass through. Furthermore, the dispensing mouth can be provided with at least one part having a greater width than the other parts of the dispensing mouth. For example, such a part could be arranged in the center of the dispensing mouth. The part with greater width could be designed to facilitate the grip of the napkin. In addition, a sufficiently large width may be provided to enable a first leading end of the uppermost napkin to be gripped in a stack inserted into the dispenser, when the leading end is laid flat on the uppermost surface of the stack.

In addition, it may still be desired to maintain parts of the dispensing mouth with a relatively narrow width, for example the parts of the dispensing mouth located adjacent to the side walls when the weight is placed inside the container, since such parts can support one end. front protruding through the dispensing mouth so that the front end is presented in a vertical position for a user to grasp. Such a narrow width suitable to support a leading end in a vertical position could be for example about 10-15mm.

The dispensing mouth may be of any suitable shape, such as oval or rectangular, as long as the dispensing mouth does not wrinkle or otherwise damage the napkin to be dispensed and as long as the dispensing mouth provides sufficient support for the leading end of the dispenser. the napkin so that the front end of the napkin is in its upright position before use.

To further control the movement and / or location of the weight within the container, weight control means is provided which interconnects the weight and the container, thereby extending between a container connection and a weight connection.

The weight control means will define an upper position of the weight within the container. This upper position will determine the maximum size of a stack to be fed into the dispenser.

The weight control means must allow movement of the weight between the upper position and the lower position, as described above.

For this purpose, the weight control means can be attached for example via a container connection on a side wall, located midway between the upper position and the lower position, and with a length of the weight control means enough for the weight to reach the upper position and the lower position. Alternatively, the weight control means may be attached via a container connection on a side wall, located anywhere between mid-height and the lower weight position. In this case, the length of the weight control means will be selected to determine the upper position of the weight. Since the distance from the container connection to the upper weight position will always, according to this alternative, exceed the distance from the container connection to the lower position, the weight control means will not restrict movement towards the lower position. Instead, the lower position of the weight is simply assumed when the weight reaches the supporting surface.

Advantageously, the weight control means can be attached via a container connection on a side wall, and adjacent to the supporting surface. In this case, the container connection will be located adjacent to or approximately the same vertical height as the lower weight position. The length of the weight control means will be approximately the distance between the upper position and the lower position of the weight. Consequently, the length of the weight control means will correspond approximately to the height of a stack to be inserted into the dispenser.

The container connection can advantageously be located on one of the side walls of the container.

Alternatively, the container connection may be located on the supporting surface, adjacent to a side wall of the container. The weight connection can advantageously be positioned adjacent the rim of the weight. Preferably, the weight connection is located on a flange portion that generally corresponds to the location on the side wall where the container connection is located.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the weight connection and the flange connection are located in wall parts and corresponding flange parts which are arranged to be in contact with each other.

Accordingly, the weight control means will be located within the dispenser, connecting the weight to the container. Therefore, the weight control means will ensure that the weight cannot be completely removed from the container.

Furthermore, the weight control means will contribute to the control of the lateral movement of the weight within the dispenser between the upper position and the lower position. Depending on the location and configuration of the weight control means, lateral control of the weight may be made possible.

Advantageously, the dispenser comprises two weight control means that interconnect the weight and the container. The weight control means are then arranged one on each opposite side wall and the corresponding edge portion.

With two weight control means on opposite sides of the dispenser, additional lateral weight control can be made possible. Furthermore, with two weight control means, the upper position of the weight within the dispenser will be more clearly defined, as well as the maximum size of a stack to be fed into the dispenser. The weight control means can be arranged at any position along the inner perimeter of the dispenser, ie along any of the side walls running in any longitudinal or transverse direction. When the dispenser comprises two weight control means, it is advantageous to arrange the weight control means oppositely in order to achieve optimal distribution of the pulling force of a user removing an article from the dispenser.

It will be understood that the dispenser preferably comprises at least two weight control means, and may be provided with, for example, three or four weight control means. For example, a weight control means may be provided at each corner of the weight.

It is important that the weight control means are flexible enough to allow movement of the weight control means in the vertical direction between the upper and lower positions. Advantageously, the weight control means comprise a flexible cord, for example in the form of a belt or a chain. A suitable tape can be made of a textile material, for example a polyester material. The length of the weight control means between the container connection and the weight connection can essentially correspond to the vertical distance from the container connection to the dispensing opening. Since, as mentioned above, the dispensing opening is defined by the upper edges of the side walls, the length of the weight control means between the container connection and the weight connection can essentially correspond to the vertical distance maximum from the container connection to the upper edge of the side walls. In cases where the upper edge of the side walls is irregularly shaped, the length of the weight control means between the container connection and the weight connection can essentially correspond to the vertical distance from the container connection to the point highest of the upper edge of the side walls. Consequently, essentially the entire vertical length of the container from the support surface to the dispensing opening will be available for a stack of napkins.

The container connection and the weight connection can be any suitable type of connection as is known in the art for securing parts to each other.

In certain embodiments, the container connection can be a snap-fit connection. In this case, a first snap-fit connection part can be provided on the container, and a second snap-fit connection part can be provided at an end part of the weight control means.

The weight connection may be arranged on or adjacent to the shoulder of the weight. For example, if the weight is made up of two halves that are joined together, an end portion of the weight control means can be inserted between the halves and joined to the weight after the two halves have been joined.

Consequently, the weight control means will run along the side of a stack of napkins arranged in the dispenser.

The container may comprise a frame arranged along the side walls surrounding the supporting surface, wherein the frame may comprise the container connection. The frame can positioned adjacent the bottom wall at the lower edge of the side walls. For example, the frame can be press fit into the container at the lower edge of the side walls. Advantageously, a recess can be made along the inner perimeter of the side walls, to receive the frame. The frame can be composed of a plastic material, or any other material suitable for the purpose. The container can define at least one vertical slot in at least one of the side walls. The horizontal extent of the slot may be sufficient to allow manual access to the napkins in the container through the slot. Thus, the slot can be useful for grasping the first leading end of a new stack of napkins, to be inserted into the dispensing mouth for initial dispenser adjustment.

In addition, such a slot, in certain embodiments, can be useful when filling the dispenser, as will be described below. Additionally, a slot can be useful to provide a visual indication of the need for refilling.

A dispenser as proposed herein can be refilled, if only a weight control means is used, through the dispensing opening of the container by removing the weight from the dispensing opening, tilting the weight, while still attached to the container at the end of the weight control means, thus providing access to the interior space of the container through the dispensing opening, and positioning the stack of napkins within the container.

However, another option is to provide a fill opening elsewhere in the container.

The container defines a bottom portion that comprises at least the bottom wall, and a wall portion that comprises at least a portion of the side walls that includes the lower edge of the side walls. The bottom portion is attached so that it can be removed and reattached to the wall portion.

Accordingly, the bottom part can be removed from the wall part for filling with napkins from the bottom side of the dispenser.

Thus, refilling is possible while the weight remains in the dispensing opening of the container, attached through the weight control means to the container.

Preferably, the bottom part consists only of the bottom wall and not the side walls. In this case, the container connection of the weight control means can be arranged at the lower edge of the side walls.

The bottom portion can be removably attached to the wall portion using various types of locking means, such as snap fit connections, locks, or the like. A frame, as described above, may advantageously be used to provide a connection between the bottom portion and the wall portion of the dispenser.

In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion is removably attached to the wall portion by means of a magnetic lock.

A magnetic lock will provide a certain holding force, depending on the type, size and number of magnets and the corresponding magnetic materials used. Accordingly, the magnetic lock can be adjusted to have a clamping force that is sufficient to ensure that the bottom part and the wall part are held together during use of the dispenser, that is, the attractive force can resist the action of gravity on the stack of napkins on the support surface. Also, the magnetic lock can be adjusted to prevent too many napkins from being fed into the dispenser. In other words, if too large a stack is placed inside the container, and an attempt is made to close the bottom portion thereby compressing the napkins, the magnetic lock will not close as the spring force of the stack trying to recover its original shape will overcome the attractive force of the magnetic lock. Accordingly, a magnetic lock can be selected so that it opens when the spring force exceeds a threshold value of the attractive force of the magnetic lock.

Thus, a magnetic lock can be used to form an effective means of protection against overfilling, because it is not possible to force the lock closed, and keep the lock in operation, if there are too many napkins in the form of a compressed pile in the container.

Disadvantages (such as a greater pulling force required to remove a napkin from the dispenser which can result in the napkins being damaged) arising due to a compressed stack being present in the container can be avoided.

To form a magnetic lock, the magnets and the corresponding magnetic materials must be arranged on the wall part and / or the bottom part, respectively, in opposite relationship. Surfaces of Interconnection formed by the magnets and the corresponding magnetic materials, can generally correspond to each other in size and shape. By "interconnecting surfaces" we mean surfaces facing each other, and which are attracted to each other by means of magnetism. The magnets and the corresponding magnetic materials can be arranged so that their interconnecting surfaces are in direct contact with each other, when the magnetic lock is closed. However, the magnets and the corresponding magnetic materials can also be arranged so that their interconnecting surfaces are separated for example by a piece of another material, provided that the attraction between the interconnecting surfaces is still sufficient to close the magnetic lock. This can be the case when magnets and / or corresponding magnetic materials are embedded in the wall part and / or the bottom part.

A frame, as described above, can advantageously be used to provide magnets and / or the corresponding magnetic materials to the wall portion of the container. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the frame may be useful to provide a connector between the wall part and the bottom part. The purpose of the connector is primarily to ensure that the wall part and the bottom part remain connected when the bottom part is opened relative to the wall part. The force of the magnetic lock will generally be sufficient to provide the necessary guidance of the wall portion and the bottom portion as they move towards each other to lock each other. Thus, it is possible, but not necessary, to provide a connector that also provides substantial guidance for movement between the wall portion and the bottom portion, such as a rigid, hinge-type connector.

The connector can be a so-called soft hinge connector, which is formed of a soft material such as plastic or textile material, for example TPE, silicone, polyester or cotton textile material. Such connectors have the advantage that they can be formed to occupy only a very limited space.

The magnets and / or the corresponding magnetic materials can be provided in the bottom part for example by gluing, casting or the like.

The bottom part can be provided with a gripping means to facilitate removal of the bottom part from the wall part. Advantageously, the gripping means can be in the form of a notch in the bottom part.

As mentioned above, the uppermost edge portions of the side walls may be confined in one plane, preferably a generally horizontal plane, whereby a stable upside down position of the dispenser is enabled. Accordingly, the dispenser can be conveniently positioned resting on the uppermost edges of the side walls in an upside down position to fill the dispenser from the bottom side thereof.

When a dispenser is turned upside down for refilling, the user can hold any remaining napkins in the dispenser through the vertical slot, as described above, in order to ensure that the remaining napkins are not folded or rearranged from another mode on the dispenser while turning the dispenser. Advantageously, the weight is also held towards the support surface, pressing any remaining napkin in the dispenser towards the support surface, using said vertical slot. Once the dispenser has assumed an upside down position, the weight and any remaining napkins can be released. The weight will fall into an upside down position on the underlying structure, such as a table top, and any remaining napkin will rest on the bottom surface of the weight.

It is also conceivable to turn the dispenser upside down without the need to retain the napkins. When the dispenser is in use, a stack of interfolded napkins is placed on the back wall support surface. The stack of interfolded napkins may have a rectangular shape with a rectangular or square bottom surface corresponding to the rear panel of the last napkin in the stack. The stack can be of any suitable dimension such as any suitable height, width and length. The width and length dimensions are defined by the dimensions of the bottom surface of the stack and the height is measured perpendicular to the bottom surface and is determined by the number of napkins in the stack as well as the number of layers and panels on each napkin. The individual napkins can comprise one or more layers or sheets and can be folded to give two or more panels.

The napkins can be any type of household napkins, washcloths, paper towels, etc. The material can be a fibrous material of any suitable type, such as cellulose-based paper materials, with or without mixing synthetic fibers, binders, and fillers. Napkins can comprise only synthetic fibers. However, it is usually desired for a napkin to have some degree of absorbency or to be at least wettable. If the fibrous material contains a large proportion of fibers of a hydrophobic nature, which means that the fibers are not wettable, it may be appropriate to treat the material with a wetting agent. Wetting agents and other additives are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be discussed further herein. The napkins can be of any suitable shape and / or size and can be stamped, punched, printed and dyed, if desired. Napkins can be single-ply sheets of material or they can comprise two or more layers of the same material or of different materials. In the stack, the napkins are folded at least once in order to obtain an interfolded arrangement with interconnected panels. However, the napkins can be further folded in order to reduce their flat size to a practical dimension, as is well known in the art. Accordingly, any type of napkin interfold can be used, as is known in the art.

The physical form of the container can be a substantially rigid box.

The material of the container can be any material suitable for the purpose such as plastic, wood, ceramic, etc. The container can be formed, for example, by bending a sheet of material, molding, blow molding, extrusion, cutting, sawing, etc. The container can also be made of a combination of different materials. When the dispenser comprises a cover independent of the container, the cover may be composed of one or a combination of any of the materials mentioned above. The container and the cover can be made of the same material or of different materials. It is noteworthy that the dispenser according to the present invention is intended for multiple uses. In other words, the dispenser is intended to be refilled, rather than thrown away, when it is empty.

The dispenser arrangement according to the invention has a simple construction and can be made of any inexpensive and readily available material. Furthermore, the dispenser arrangement has a surprisingly reliable function and will not damage the dispensed napkins.

In addition, the dispenser can be made with a sleek and elegant appearance by choosing exclusive materials, such as wood, aluminum or brushed steel. This may be desirable when the dispenser is intended for use in formal and elegant settings.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows a dispenser according to the present invention in a vertical position;

Figure 1A represents an exploded view of the dispenser illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 2 shows the container according to the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates the weight of the dispenser of Figure 1 having two weight control means;

Figure 4 represents the weight of the dispenser of Figure 1 in an upside down position;

Figure 5 shows a frame and a bottom wall of the dispenser of Figure 1;

Figure 6 illustrates the dispenser depicted in Figure 1 in an upside down position;

Figure 7 illustrates the dispenser of Figure 1 comprising napkins to be dispensed;

Figure 8 illustrates the dispenser depicted in Figure 1 in the nearly empty state.

Detailed description

Figure 1 illustrates a dispenser 1 for interfolded napkins. The dispenser 1 comprises a container 2 having a bottom wall 5 that extends in a horizontal plane from the dispenser 1. The container 2 further comprises side walls 6 that extend from the bottom wall 5 in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. of the bottom wall 5 and defining a dispensing opening 7 arranged in the upper part 1a of the dispenser 1 and which is opposite the bottom wall 5. Side walls 6 surround a support surface 8 to support a stack of interfolded napkins.

The dispenser 1 further comprises a weight 4 arranged between the side walls 6 to form a lid of the dispenser 1 supported by the stack. The weight 4 defines a dispensing mouth 9 through which the napkins are drawn. The weight 4 can be moved between an upper position adjacent to the dispensing opening 7 of the container 2, and a lower position adjacent to the support surface 8 of the container 2.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 1A, the bottom wall 5 of the container 2 forms the outermost bottom surface of the dispenser. This provides a simple and space saving solution.

The container is shown in greater detail in Figure 2. The side walls 6 of the container 2 are perpendicular to the plane of the bottom wall 5 of the container 2. The side walls 6 delimit the space of the container and the size of the dispensing opening 7 and are arranged to contain and support the stack of interfolded napkins without deforming the napkins.

The side walls 6 define the dispensing opening 7 arranged in an upper part of the dispenser. The dispensing opening 7 is a part of the container that is open towards the environment and that provides access to the interior space of the container 2. The contour of the dispensing opening 7 corresponds to the shape of the bottom wall 5, so that the container 2 represented in figure 2 is symmetrical.

The upper edges 6b of the side walls 6 are positioned entirely in a horizontal plane that is parallel to the plane of the bottom wall 5, whereby a stable upside down position of the dispenser 1 is made possible, as will be discussed later. .

Figure 3 illustrates the weight 4 according to the present invention. Weight 4 defines an outer rim 13 comprising at least two opposing rim portions 13a. Furthermore, as can be seen in figure 1, the weight 4 extends over the entire dispensing opening 7 in the horizontal plane between the side walls 6 of the container 2, so that the outer rim 13 is in contact with the walls 6 sides of the container 2. As mentioned above, "in contact" in the context of the present invention means that there is a minimum space between the flange 13 and the side walls 6 sufficient to allow movement of the flange 13 along the side wall 6.

The weight represented in figure 3 comprises a dispensing mouth 9, that is to say an opening through which articles are dispensed, which runs in the longitudinal direction x of the weight 4, coinciding with the longitudinal direction x of the dispenser 1.

The weight illustrated in Figure 3 comprises two protrusions 23 in the form of continuous longitudinally extending ribs arranged at a distance from the dispensing mouth 9, which is seen in greater detail in Figure 4. Consequently, the protrusions ensure that there is a space between the lower surface of the weight 4 immediately surrounding the dispensing mouth 9, and the upper part of the stack of napkins inserted into the dispenser. Such a space will ensure that the stack is not clamped against the dispensing mouth 9, which would complicate the removal of napkins from the stack.

As shown in figure 1, the weight 4 extends over the dispensing opening 7 substantially the entire distance between two opposite side walls 6a of the container 2, and the dispensing mouth 9 is arranged to extend in one direction longitudinal x of the dispenser 1 between the opposite rim portions 13a substantially along the entire longitudinal extent of the weight 4.

The dispensing mouth 9 also has a transverse extension, or a width, in a transverse direction of the weight 4 perpendicular to the length extension of the mouth. The width of the dispensing mouth should be sufficient for a napkin to easily pass through. Furthermore, the dispensing mouth 9 is provided with a part 9a having a wider width than the other parts 9b of the dispensing mouth 9. The widest part 9a is designed to make it easier to grip the napkin. Furthermore, it is still desired to provide portions 9b located adjacent to the side walls 6a of the dispensing mouth 9 with a relatively narrow width. Such parts support a front end that projects through the dispensing mouth 9, so that the front end is presented in a vertical position for a user to grasp.

The dispensing mouth 9 shown in figure 3 is substantially rectangular with rounded corners, so that the contour of the dispensing mouth 9 corresponds to the contour of the weight 4, which is aesthetically attractive.

The dispenser 1 further comprises two weight control means 15, seen in Figures 3 and 4. The weight control means 15 interconnects the weight 4 and the container 2 and is located inside the dispenser 1 when the dispenser 1 is mounted, and they extend within the container 2 between a container connection 17 arranged in the lower part 1b of the dispenser 1 and a weight connection 19. The weight control means 15 restricts the movement of the weight 4 in a vertical direction along the side walls 6 to determine the location of the upper position of the weight 4, thereby determining the maximum size of a stack to be enter the dispenser. Furthermore, the weight control means 15 will ensure that the weight 4 cannot be completely removed from the container 2.

Furthermore, the weight control means 15 will contribute to the control of the movement of the weight 4 within the dispenser 1 between the upper position and the lower position.

As can be seen in Figure 4, two weight control means 15 are arranged diagonally opposite in order to achieve optimal distribution of the pulling force of a user removing an article from the dispenser.

The length of the weight control means 15 between the container connection 17 and the weight connection 19 corresponds essentially to the vertical distance from the container connection 17 to the dispensing opening 7, as seen in Figure 1A. Consequently, essentially the entire vertical length of the container 2 from the support surface 8 to the dispensing opening 7 will be available for a stack of napkins. The weight connection 19 shown in figure 4 is arranged on the flange 13 of the weight 4.

Furthermore, the dispenser 1 comprises a frame 21, shown in Figure 5 and arranged along the side walls 6 surrounding the support surface 8 as shown in Figure 1. The frame 21 comprises the matching portion 17 ' of the container connection 17 and is located adjacent to the bottom wall 5 at the lower edge 6b of the side walls 6.

The container 2 shown in figure 2 defines a vertical slot 25 in each of the longitudinal side walls 6. The horizontal extent of the vertical slot 25 is sufficient to allow manual access to the napkins in the container 2 through the slot 25.

The dispenser defines a bottom part, in the embodiment shown in figure 1A that is constituted by the bottom wall 5, and a wall part that comprises a part of the side walls 6 that includes the lower edge 6c of the walls 6 sides, and frame 21. The bottom portion is removably attached to the wall portion. Accordingly, the bottom portion can be removed from the wall portion for filling with napkins from the bottom end of the dispenser.

Thus, refilling is possible even though the weight 4 remains in the dispensing opening 7 of the container, attached through the weight control means 15 to the side walls 6 of the container 2.

The frame 21 as described above is used to provide a connection between the bottom part and the wall part of the dispenser 1. The bottom part is removably attached to the wall part by means of a lock 27 magnetic. The advantages of using a magnetic lock have been mentioned above.

The magnets and the corresponding magnetic materials of the magnetic lock 27 are arranged in a generally opposite relationship. The interconnecting surfaces formed between the magnets and the corresponding magnetic materials are, in this embodiment, of similar size and shape.

Frame 21 shown in Figure 5 is used to provide magnets to the wall portion of the dispenser. Pieces of corresponding magnetic material are provided on the bottom wall, as shown in Figure 5.

Furthermore, the frame 21 is used to provide a connector 29 between the wall part and the bottom part of the dispenser. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 29 is in the form of a soft hinge connector. The soft hinge connector comprises a tape of soft material that is inserted into a corresponding slot in the frame, thereby providing the connector 29.

The bottom wall 5 is provided with a gripping means 28 in the form of a circular notch to facilitate the removal of the bottom wall from the wall portion of the dispenser 1.

As seen in Figures 1 and 1A, the upper edge 6b of the side walls 6 is confined in a horizontal plane, thereby enabling a stable upside down position of the dispenser 1, as shown in Figure 6. Accordingly, the dispenser 1 can be conveniently positioned resting on the upper edge 6b of the side walls 6 in an upside down position to fill the dispenser 1 from the bottom side thereof.

When the dispenser 1 is mounted, the frame 21 is positioned inside the container 2 at the lower edge 6c of the side walls 6 of the container 2. The bottom wall 5 is attached at the lower edge 6c of the container 2 by means of the lock 27 magnetic, so that the container 2 opens towards the environment only at the dispensing opening 7 of the container. Finally, the weight 4 is attached to the dispenser 1 via the container connection 17. When the dispenser 1 is empty or almost empty, the weight 4 will be in its lower position adjacent to the support surface 8 of the container 2.

When the dispenser 1 is to be filled or refilled with items to be dispensed, the dispenser 1 is placed in the upside down position so that the dispenser 1 rests on the upper edges 6b of the side walls 6 of the container 2. When given Turning the dispenser 1 over, it may be advisable to provide a support for the weight 4, so that the weight 4 and the remaining items, if any, into the container do not fall uncontrollably under the action of gravity, which can causing excessively high and possibly damaging stress on the weight control means, as well as wrinkling, creasing, or other reorganization of the items remaining within the container, which can damage the items and make the items worse dispensing.

To this end, the user can use the vertical slot 25 provided in the side walls 6 of the dispenser, to hold the weight and any remaining napkins towards the supporting surface during the turning of the dispenser.

When the dispenser 1 is in its upside down position, the bottom wall 5 is disconnected from the side walls 6 by gripping the gripping means 28 and opening the lock 27. Once the bottom wall 5 has been disconnected, a stack of napkins interfolded in dispenser 1, and the bottom wall 5 rejoins dispenser 1. Finally, dispenser 1 is turned over once more, bringing it to the upright position, and the leading end of the napkin is removed uppermost through the dispensing mouth so that the dispenser 1 is ready for use.

When the dispenser 1 is completely full, the weight 4 forms a lid of the dispenser 1 supported by the stack, which means that when a stack of napkins is inserted into the dispenser 1, the weight 4 will rest on the stack. Consequently, when the dispenser 1 is completely filled with napkins, the weight 4 will be in its upper position located adjacent to the dispensing opening 7 of the container.

The weight 4 comprising the dispensing mouth 9 will simultaneously present a leading end of the uppermost napkin in the stack through the dispensing mouth 9, and will retain the remaining portion of the stack, so that unwanted additional napkins will not are removed from the stack along with the topmost napkin. Instead, due to the interfolding of the napkins, the removal of the uppermost napkin will result in the leading end of the next napkin being presented at the dispensing port, as mentioned above.

By means of the weight 4 that forms a dispensing mouth 9, the forward end of the uppermost napkin in a stack of interfolded napkins in a stack of interfolded napkins is prevented without risk of tearing or wrinkling the napkin being pulled out or the rear napkin.

In use, the leading end of the uppermost napkin in the stack located in the dispenser 1 extends between two opposite side walls 6a. Accordingly, the dispensing mouth 9 extends longitudinally along the width of the leading end of the napkin, so that the napkins can be drawn through the dispensing mouth 9 with minimal or no wrinkles, providing a napkin. neat and attractive both before and after dispensing.

As the napkins are dispensed, the vertical extent of the stack within the dispenser will decrease. Since the weight is supported by the stack of napkins, the weight will descend toward the support surface of the container as the vertical height of the stack decreases. Therefore, when the dispenser is almost empty or empty, the weight will be located adjacent to the support surface of the container. The weight may move vertically within the container between an upper position adjacent to the dispensing opening of the container, and a lower position adjacent to the container support surface, in both the up and down directions, due to the flexible character of the weight bearing means.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The detailed description is intended to be considered illustrative and the appended claims are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims (25)

i. Dispenser for interfolded napkins, the dispenser (1) comprising a container (2) having a bottom wall (5) extending in a horizontal plane and side walls (6) extending from the bottom wall (5) in a vertical direction perpendicular thereto and defining a dispensing opening (7) opposite the bottom wall (5), the side walls surrounding a rectangular support surface (8) formed by said bottom wall (5), to support a stack (3) of interfolded napkins (11), the dispenser (1) further comprising a weight (4) arranged between said side walls (6) to form a lid of the dispenser supported by the stack, defining the weight (4 ) a dispensing mouth (9) and movable between an upper position adjacent to the dispensing opening (7) of the container (2), and a lower position adjacent to the support surface (8) of the container (2), the dispenser (1) comprising control means (15) or weight that interconnect the weight (4) and the container (2), and which extend into the container (2) between a container connection (17) and a weight connection (19), restricting said means (15 weight control) the movement of the weight (4) in a vertical direction along said side walls (6) to determine the location of said upper position of said weight (4), and in which the container (2) defines a bottom part comprising said bottom wall (5), and a wall part comprising at least a part of the side walls (6), said bottom part being attached in such a way that it can be removed and reattached to the wall part for filling with napkins from the bottom of the dispenser (1). A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the weight (4) defines an outer rim (13) comprising at least two opposing rim portions (13a). Dispenser according to claim 2, in which the side walls (6) comprise two opposite side walls (6a), and the weight (4) extends over the entire dispensing opening (7) in at least one horizontal direction between said at least two opposite side walls (6a) of the container, such that said two opposite rim parts (13a) are in contact with corresponding parts of said two opposite side walls (6a) of the container. Dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the container connection (17) is located on one of said side walls (6a) opposite and adjacent to the support surface (8) of the container (2), and the connection ( 19) of weight is located adjacent to the corresponding one of said opposing rim portions (13a). Dispenser according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the dispenser comprises two weight control means (15) interconnecting the weight (4) and the container (2), the weight control means (15) being arranged one on each opposite side wall (6a) and the corresponding edge portion (13a). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the weight control means (15) comprise a flexible cord. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container connection (17) is located adjacent the support surface (8). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container connection (17) comprises a snap-fit connection. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (2) further comprises a frame (21) arranged along the side walls (6) surrounding the support surface (8), said frame comprising (21) the container connection (17). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims when combined with claim 6, wherein the length of the weight control means (15) between the container connection (17) and the weight connection (19) corresponds essentially at the vertical distance from the container connection (17) to the dispensing opening (7). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims when combined with claim 6, wherein the container connection is arranged adjacent to the support surface (8), and the length of the weight control means (15) corresponds approximately to the vertical distance from the support surface (8) to the dispensing opening (7). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the weight is confined between said side walls (6). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the outline of the Dispensing opening (7) corresponds essentially to the contour of the support surface (8). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the side walls (6) comprise at least two opposite side walls (6a), and in which the dispensing mouth (9) is elongated and has a length dimension maximum extending in parallel with said two opposite side walls (6a). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the side walls (6) comprise at least two opposite side walls (6a), and in which the dispensing mouth (9) has a maximum length of at least the 75%, preferably at least 85%, most preferably at least 90% of the length of the support surface (8) extending between said two opposite side walls (6a). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the total horizontal area of the weight (4) including the dispensing mouth (9) is at least 60%, preferably at least 80%, and most preferably substantially 100% of the area of the support surface (8). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight (4) has a vertical extension that is 1-10 cm, preferably 1-5 cm, most preferably 2-5 cm. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight has a substantially flat bottom surface facing the stack of napkins, the bottom surface comprising separating projections (23), preferably in the form of longitudinally extending ribs. Dispenser according to claim 18, wherein said projections (23) are arranged at a distance from the dispensing mouth (9). 20. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight (4) comprises a first material and a second material, the second material having a higher density than the first material, to provide additional mass to the weight (4). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight has a mass of between 50 and 1000 g, preferably between 50 and 500 g, most preferably between 100 and 200 g. 22. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the container defines at least one vertical slot (25) in at least one of said side walls, the horizontal extent of the slot being sufficient to allow manual access to the napkins into the container (2) through said slot. 23. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom part consists of said bottom wall (5). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom portion is removably attached to the wall portion by means of a magnetic lock (27). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls (6) comprise upper edges (6b) at the dispensing opening of the container, said upper edges (6b) forming a plurality of uppermost edge portions, which are confined to one plane, preferably a generally horizontal plane.